E. "Keith" Records

January 9, 1922 - August 9, 2012

Mr. E. Keith Records, 90, of Rocky Ford died on Thursday, August 9th, 2012 while in the company of family members at Pioneer Health Care Center. Keith was born in Perryton, TX on January 9, 1922, the son of the late Ernest A. and Audryn (Day) Records. He graduated from Follett High School and left home to attend the University of Oklahoma in 1943 but dropped out in July of 1944 to enlist in the United State Army. He went to flight school to become a pilot and flew C47 Paratrooper Planes in Europe. Keith loved to tell about his exploits in England and France and even wrote a small memoire about things, like trying to land with with only one engine and shooting German soldires with his side arm out the cockpit window. He had several citations and decorations which he wore proudly, even on his suit jackets. He separted from the Army Air Corps in August of 1945 with the rank of 1st LT. He remained in the National Guard Reserves and retired in the 1960's with the rank of LT Col. Keith went back to Texas after WWII for a short time before joining his parents in Rocky Ford. They bought a farm on Hwy. 266 in 1946. He tried farming for a bit but didn't care for it and went to work for American Crystal Sugar Company, he became Assistant Superintendent and retired from there in the 1970's. In 1948, he married Henrietta F. Way. She was a school teacher in Rocky Ford. They had two children, Sheryl A. Records and William "Bill" Records. Keith and Henrietta both retired in the late 1970's and had many travels and adventures, traveling to 6 continents and many islands, going on safaries, taking a cruise down the Nile River and treking in the outback of Australia. In 1973, he was mayor of Rocky Ford for 2 terms. Then went on to campaign for the United States Senate during the Ford Administration which he had his photo taken with president Ford. Keith's love for flying continued on after the war. He owned a Cessna 182 plane and flew friends and family all over the United States. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Rocky Ford, CO. He is survived by his wife, Henrietta; Daughter Sheryl Records of Bisbee, AZ. Son William "Bill" husband of Donna Records of Rocky Ford, CO; Favorite Niece Sandra (Warhurst) wife of Clyde Young of Pueblo, CO; Niece Teri wife of Eric Browdy of Las Vegas, NV; Great Nephew Kenneth Young of Pueblo, CO; Great-Great Nephew Carson Browdy of Las Vegas, NV; Many cousins in Texas and California. Keith was preceded in death by his parents; a sister: Marylee Golds and In-laws; William and Hazel Way. Graveside Services will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Rocky Ford, CO, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 11th, with Pastor Chris Becker officiating. A visitation will be on Friday from 5-7 PM at the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO with the Rocky Ford Rifle Team performing Military Rites. A memorial fund has been established the First Baptist Church 10th & Maple, Rocky Ford, CO 81067. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.